Marilyn Joy Turnley

WHO: Marilyn Joy Turnley, consultant and acting manager of the Public Health Agency of Canada. WHERE: At home. CLOTHES: Black long-sleeved Esprit shirt, $11, Rhoda’s (3839 Albert St.); French Dressing jean skirt and belt, $60 and $25, Winners (Montreal). FOOTWEAR: Black knee-high boots, $100, Winners (2135 Prince of Wales Dr.) ACCESSORIES: Bracelet, a gift from her sons; Maria Hendrick stone wench necklace; shawl was a gift from artist Rainie Evans; silver hoop earrings, Winners in Winnipeg. HAIR: Lisa Buteau, works from home.

Marilyn moved into her Cathedral home about eight years ago, and with her passion for fusing art and community quickly became involved with the Cathedral Arts Festival and the Cathedral Area Community Association. In her professional life, she works with vulnerable people and bringing healing to communities. When you combine her professional work, the Cathedral community family and her three kids, Marilyn, as her mom would say, is “blessed with the abundance of the joy, art and creativity of every day.” She’s also been blessed with minor fame, as her eclectic home has been profiled on the CBC lifestyle/design program Stephen & Chris.

You have had a few television camera crews visit your home because of its creativity. How did it all come about? When I moved into this house, I set out to make it out to be a happy place. I didn’t have much experience with decorating and painting but was taught by a loyal group of friends. And this home has become an opportunity for those who might not have that ability in their own space, for example to write on walls and try different paint colors. This was kind of my mid-life crisis — going wild with the paint colours and glue guns!

Do your kids enjoy the house? My kids have come to terms with “Mother’s projects.” Once in a while they will say “NO Mom!” But they saw the episode on Steven and Chris — which I was hesitant to do because [the show is usually about] upscale Toronto lofts — by Chris starting the segment saying that this was his favourite house on “House Proud” ever. Whatever tendency towards embarrassment or thinking ‘Mom’s a little strange’ went out the window, and it was OK to think outside the box.

What is your favourite piece in your home? Probably the baby pictures of each of my kids. I also love the artwork I have from Jana Kutarna that was used for the Cathedral Village Art Festival, as well as from other Regina artists.

How would you describe the style of your home, compared to your own style? My home is “down home comfort,” with much of my furniture from second-hand shops. And my style is very basic, with punches of colour!

What is your favorite colour? Sky blue pink!

Interview and photography by Carey Shaw for prairie dog.